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This fish can breathe air and survive on land — and officials want it dead

Snakehead fish is an 'invasive species'

The Northern Snakehead fish was just spotted for the first time in Georgia. It's an invasive species that can breathe air and survive outside of water — and wildlife officials are urging people to kill it on site.

By:
CNN Newsource

Posted at 11:55 AM, Oct 10, 2019

and last updated2019-10-10 14:59:04-04

An invasive fish species that can breathe air and survive on land has been found in Georgia for the first time. And officials are warning anyone who comes into contact with the species to kill it immediately.

"Thanks to the quick report by an angler, our staff was able to investigate and confirm the presence of this species in this water body," said Matt Thomas, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division. "We are now taking steps to determine if they have spread from this water body and, hopefully, keep it from spreading to other Georgia waters."

While this is the first time it's been discovered in Georgia, snakeheads have been reported in 14 states nationwide. The long, thin fish has a dark brown blotchy appearance and can grow up to three feet in length. It can also breathe air, and survive in low oxygenated systems, including on land, officials said.

A snakehead fish is considered a non-native invasive species, which means it affects native species by competing for food and habitat. In Georgia, it is illegal to possess one without a valid wild animal license.